Maritime

Minister Pledges Support For Shipping Sector

Published

15 years ago

June 25, 2010

Ahead the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) scheduled for July 3, in Lagos, the Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho had assured the shipping community of his contribution to the growth of the sector.

Ihenacho gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the NAMM members in his office in Abuja.

The minister stated that his ministry was acting in an advisory capacity to the transport ministry, adding that a close and cordial relationship with NAMM and the shipping sector would drive the sector to greater heights.

Ihenacho who is also a master mariner noted with dismay the difficulties and challenges that are fast growing in the maritime sector and stressed the need for the partnership of all stakeholders in the sector in rising to the challenges and move the nation’s maritime sector forward.

While giving assurance of his presence at the forthcoming NAMM anniversary, Ihenacho charged the master mariners to remain unrelenting in their efforts aimed at improving the shipping sector.

Earlier in his speech, the leader of the NAMM delegation, Captain Niyi Adeyemo, disclosed that the association’s 25th anniversary would serve as a medium through which challenges in the shipping sector would be fully highlighted and solutions provided to move the sector forward.

While commending the minister for his commitment to the betterment of the Nigerian society, Adeyemo said such commitment would be required of Ihenacho as he would use his ministerial position to help meet and solve some of the problems experienced in the association.

He said “we have come here to kindly request you to grace the occasion as special guest of honour especially, considering your immense contribution to the growth of the shipping sector in Nigeria before your appointment as the Honourable Minister of Interior knowing that your contributions will highly needed even now”.

Adeyemo disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho and his transport counterpart, Alhaji Yusuf Sulaiman were expected as Special Guests of Honour at the event while the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola would be the anniversary celebration Chief Host.

The NAMM 25th anniversary celebration would be chaired by the chairman, African Business Roundtable, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Other dignitaries expected at the occasion include the governors of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Adamawa State, Delta and Niger State as well as Managing Director of NPA, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, former Chief of General Staff, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, serving executives of agencies and parastatals under the ministry of transport and other stakeholders.

It would be recalled that the NAMM was founded in 1985 with the responsibility of promoting seafaring in Nigeria, serve as rallying point for all Nigerian Master Mariners engaged ashore and afloat, raise, maintain and regulate the standard of nautical practice in Nigeria and promote professional ethics and standard among its members.

Maritime

NPA Vows To Sustain Sanity On Port Access Roads ……Deploys ETO To Enhance Truck Movement

Published

7 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated it’s commitment to preventing a return to the severe Apapa gridlock that previously plaqued the Lagos ports access roads.

It said the electronic truck call- up system ( ETO) has been recently reviewed and enhanced to integrate terminal gates directly with the ETO platform.

Speaking in reaction to media reports on the resurgence of gridlock on port access roads, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, said the NPA, in line with its mandate to ensure the smooth operation of port activities and the free flow of traffic around the Apapa Port Complex corridor, remained fully committed to maintaining order and preventing any reoccurrence of the gridlock previously experienced along the access roads.

“We have recently undertaken a review and enhancement of the ETO system, which now integrates Terminal Gates directly with the ETO platform.

“This integration is designed to provide a structured sequencing of truck movements, both inbound and outbound within the Apapa Port Complex.

“The objective of this initiative is to ensure transparency, improve traffic efficiency, and maintain a sustainable operating environment around the ports.

“However, the success of this system depends largely on the cooperation and compliance of all Stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Transport Unions, Drivers, Clearing Agents, and Government Agencies (Both Federal and State).

“Sequencing truck entry and exit is not rocket science. With sincerity of purpose and commitment from all concerned, we can achieve and maintain orderliness and prevent a return to the chaotic conditions of the past.

“It is in our best interest, because smooth Ingress and Egress of Trucks will, in the long run, bring about high turnover for all stakeholders,” he stated.

Maritime

DANTSOHO Calls For Synergy In Revamping Nation’s Ports

Published

7 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

The Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority(NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for synergy in revamping the nation’s ports.

Dantsoho made the call shortly after the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He insisted that without collaboration amongst major actors little or nothing would be achieved in revamping the ports

“Until there is collaboration and partnership you cannot achieve efficiency at the ports”, he said.

Dantsoho highlighted steps taken by the Ports Authority to address bottlenecks faced by importers and exporters at the nation’s ports.

The MD said the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee established by the NPA is recording huge successes through the joint inspection and boarding by relevant agencies operating in the area.

He identified adoption of technology, improvement in infrastructure, human capacity building, equipment and tools, as areas that could be improved to enhance port efficiency.

This, according to him, would ensure that Nigeria remains competitive and relevant in the sub-region, continent and beyond.

Speaking at the event, the Director – General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Audu, called for collective resolve among stakeholders to improve port operations, making cargo clearance faster and more efficient.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee, Audi however, decried the losses incurred as a result of the inefficiency at the nation’s ports,

Audu described the committee as a platform that represents not only interagency collaboration but a shared commitment to making Nigeria’s ports globally competitive, transparent, and efficient.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Maritime

Customs To Partner NAPTIP On Human Trafficking Menace

Published

7 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) said it will collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.

The Comptroller General Cust oms, Adewale Adeniyi stated this while playing host to the Courtesy Visit by a delegation from NAPTIP, in his office, in Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, as the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications.

Adeniyi said “We believe in the power of collaboration,We can achieve more with less when we work together.”

The Comptroller General revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assured the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.

He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.

“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally”

” We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security”, he stated.

Adeniyi commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.

Earlier, the Director General, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.

She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.

In her words, “I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect as partnership with Customs is essential for our work”

She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.

Also Speaking former Director with NIMASA; Hajia Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.

Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.

“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable”, she said.

By: Chinedu Wosu